Microsoft works with ND to provide Windows 8 apps powered by ND's award-winning PressReader technology for publishers looking to expand their mobile presence through a Windows 8-based multi-platform solution.

NEW YORK, April 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- (INMA World Congress): NewspaperDirect (ND), the world leader in multi-channel newspaper and magazine content distribution has worked with Microsoft to launch a Windows 8App Builder Program for ND's global newspaper and magazine publishers.

From now until the end of June 2013, ND's publishing partners can apply to ND to help them fast-track their app development and publish their app into the global Windows (app) Store and showcase their content on all Windows 8-based tablets, laptops, ultrabooks, convertibles and desktops.

Publishers who participate in the NewspaperDirect's App Builder Program for Windows 8 will receive:

The ability to stream Ads-in-Apps via the Microsoft Advertising Network and other valued-added marketing opportunities

Apps built under the program will incorporate all the features and benefits of PressReader optimized for Windows 8, including SmartFlow, SmartZoom, article sharing and search using Windows 8 Search Charm.

"The growth in the popularity of Windows 8 reflects the shift in how people want to experience content across devices," said Shane Davies, Director, Cloud Services Providers & Top Consumer Brands of Microsoft Canada. "Brands are already starting to get up close and personal with audiences in real time, on a global scale. NewspaperDirect, a leader in magazine and newspaper applications, and their Windows 8 app will provide a platform for publishers to reach and engage their audience in compelling ways, and will provide consumers with a range of quality, brand name applications."

This program demonstrates ND's on-going commitment to build multi-platform solutions for its publishing partners, ensuring their content is available across all devices, including the latest Windows 8-based tablets, laptops, ultrabooks, convertibles and desktops.

"We're seeing a new era in mobile and desktop computing from Microsoft and I have little doubt that Windows 8 devices will take a significant share of the tablet market," said Alex Kroogman, CEO of NewspaperDirect. "We're in the early phases of mass-market penetration, so now is the perfect time for our publishers to ride the wave of what is soon to be the ubiquitous technology in the hands of a growing channel of business users and consumers."

Earlier in January, Microsoft announced that Windows 8 had sold over 60 million licenses matching the record pace set by for Windows 7 when it first released (Over 670 million Windows 7 licenses have been sold to date.)

Over 100 million apps have been downloaded from the Windows Store since the launch of Windows 8. And since General Availability, the number of apps in the Windows Store has more than quadrupled, demonstrating developer momentum for the new platform.

The Windows Store has seen double digit growth in the people visiting the Windows Store week over week. Windows 8 has also inspired new devices; Microsoft has now has certified 1,800 devices coming to market over the course of the next weeks and months.

About NewspaperDirect

NewspaperDirect delivers the world's newspapers and magazines to millions of readers the way they want to receive them — in print, online, or on their mobile device, tablet or eReader — wherever they live, travel, work or play. With the most innovative digital publishing technology in the industry and the only zero-operational-cost business model, NewspaperDirect is recognized as the world leader in multichannel content distribution and monetization, and is the chosen partner of more than 3,000 publishers from 100 countries.